John Abbass

Abbass Studios began in 1946 and was among the first in the Atlantic Provinces to provide a range of photographic services that included film processing, enlargements, wedding photography, commercial photography, framing, and picture restoration.Abbass Studios was originally founded by the late Mr. George Abbass who introduced photography to two of his younger brothers, John and Tony. In 1974 the brothers made the move to expand their business by purchasing three Econo Color stores in Nova Scotia, with John Abbass Sr.’s son John helping to expand them throughout Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. John and his family are one of the founding members of Family Business Atlantic – formerly Canadian Association of Family Enterprise Nova Scotia, having served as CAFE president from October 2003-2005.He is a graduate of Dalhousie University and holds a degree in Commerce. John is involved in his community and volunteers with the Brain Injury Association, Edward House, Christmas Daddies and Children Wish of Nova Scotia. He and his wife Barb live in Bedford and are the proud parents of David and Christina.

John Abbass

President

Econo Color One Hour Photo

Because the groups are so small and intimate, confidentially is absolutely vital to making sure that everyone can trust another with each other’s stories.

Joel Miller

Miller Tirecraft

As a member of a Peer to Peer group we talk about business issues that are unique to family-run enterprise. Yes, it is an investment of time, but it is one that has become invaluable to me.

Mary-Ellen O’Regan

O’Regans Automotive Group

I am so inspired and motivated by this group of individuals who come from widely different business backgrounds and life experiences. We share so much in common and support each other in so many ways.

Fiona Diamond

Brookes Diamond Productions

When you get to leave a peer to peer group, I feel like I’m where I need to be when it comes to family business. I feel more relaxed, I feel like I am supported, I feel like whatever stress I had during the run of the day. It kinda makes me feel centered again

Emily Tregunno

Halifax Seed

People go to peer to peer groups, I think for different reasons sometimes. For me its that ability to express myself without being judged

Chris Rideout

Rideout Tool and Machine

It’s a really great environment to bounce different ideas, problems of other people. The objective isn’t to give advice so much but perhaps to gain perspective and guidance from other people, as to how well they might handle a certain situation.

Fraser Moir

Halifax Seed

“I think people would get the most out of Family Business Atlantic by joining a peer to peer group”